Pipe/fitting with modified crimp allowing for both pipe and flexible duct installation

ABSTRACT

A pipe/fitting having an end having a modified crimp for securing both flexible ducts and pipes. Specifically, the pipe/fitting includes an end having a series of annularly disposed pipes. The modified crimp includes an outwardly facing channel in the base of the series of crimps configured to secure a flexible duct between the channel and a fastener received in the channel. The end also includes a pipe coupling system at the base of the series of crimps configured to couple a pipe to the conduit.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/863,265, filed on Sep. 23, 2015 which claims the benefit of theearlier filing date of, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.62/054,163, filed on Sep. 23, 2014, the entire contents of which areincorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This application is generally directed to the field of pipe and ductconnections.

BACKGROUND

Products used in heating/ventilation/air conditioning (HVAC) units aretypically formed of sheet stock such as sheet metal. Examples of metalsinclude steel, aluminum and the like. In particular, pipe or duct workfor HVAC units is typically made from one or more sections of sheetstock that are formed to create a conduit. In general, duct work orconduit may have a round and/or rectangular cross section. The sectionsof steel conduit are joined to create the duct work. Flexible ducts(also known as flex) are typically made of flexible plastic over a metalwire coil to shape a tube. They have a variety of configurations.Flexible duct is very convenient for attaching supply air outlets to therigid duct work or duct work fittings. A fitting is a sheet metal pieceused to connect two pieces of ductwork and/or other fittings. Typically,flexible duct is secured to rigid duct work or fittings using zip ties.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention include a conduit having a first end; and asecond end opposite the first end; wherein the first end has an invertedchannel, the inverted channel has a size large enough to accommodate azip tie and a portion of a flexible duct secured between the channel andthe zip tie. Embodiments of the invention further provide a series ofcrimps disposed annularly about the first end, the crimps comprising theinverted channel formed in the series of crimps. Any of the precedingembodiments may include a pipe coupling system configured to couple apipe to the conduit. Any of the preceding embodiments may also include apipe coupling system at the base of the series of crimps configured tocouple a pipe to the conduit.

Any of the preceding embodiments may include a pipe coupling systemincluding a first flange having an inwardly facing face, a second flangehaving an outwardly facing face, a groove disposed between the inwardlyfacing face of the first flange and the outwardly facing face of thesecond flange and a sealant disposed in the groove for receiving thepipe. The pipe coupling system of any of the preceding embodiments mayalso include an outwardly facing bead. The pipe coupling system of anyof the preceding embodiments may also include a channel formed in a baseportion of the series of crimps. In the pipe coupling system of any ofthe preceding embodiments, the channel may also be formed in a centralportion of the series of crimps.

In any of the preceding embodiments, the conduit may be a fitting or apipe and the channel may be 5/16 inch to ⅝ inch wide and 1/16 inch to ½inch deep and accommodate a zip tie having a width of ⅜ inch to ½ inch.

Any of the preceding embodiments may further comprise a conduit systemincluding a conduit having a first end; and a second end opposite thefirst end; wherein the first end comprises an inverted channel, theinverted channel has a size large enough to accommodate a zip tie and aportion of a flexible duct secured between the channel and the zip tie;a flexible duct located outside of the conduit and located at leastpartially over the channel; and a zip tie located outside of theflexible duct and located over the channel, wherein the zip tie istightened, securing the flexible duct to the channel.

Any of the preceding embodiments may further comprise a conduit systemincluding a conduit including a first end; and a second end opposite thefirst end; wherein the first end includes a series of crimps disposedannularly about the first end, the crimps comprising an inverted channelformed in the series of crimps, the inverted channel comprising a sizelarge enough to accommodate a zip tie and a portion of a flexible ductsecured between the channel and the zip tie; a pipe coupling system atthe base of the series of crimps configured to couple a pipe to theconduit, the pipe coupling system comprising a first flange having aninwardly facing face, a second flange having an outwardly facing face, agroove disposed between the inwardly facing face of the first flange andthe outwardly facing face of the second flange and a sealant disposed inthe groove for receiving the pipe.

Any of the preceding embodiments may further comprise a method of makinga conduit having a first end, and a second end opposite the first end,wherein the first end comprises a series of crimps disposed annularlyabout the first end, and an outwardly facing channel in the base of theseries of crimps configured to secure a flexible duct between thechannel and a fastener received in the channel, the method includingforming sheet metal between a first roller and a second roller; whereinthe first roller comprises a first tapered crimp gear and a firstcylindrical crimp gear; and the second roller comprises a second taperedcrimp gear and a second cylindrical crimp gear and a smooth roller.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments of the invention are described herein by way ofexample in conjunction with the following figures, wherein likereference characters designate the same or similar elements.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fitting according to an embodiment ofthe invention showing an inverted bead around the crimp end of thefitting.

FIG. 2A is a close-up cross-section view of an end of a pipe/fittinghaving a modified crimp and a pipe coupling system according to anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2B is a close-up cross-section view of an end of a pipe/fittinghaving a modified crimp and a pipe coupling system according to anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2C is a close-up cross-section view of an end of a pipe/fittinghaving an inverted bead or channel according to an embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 3 is a side view of a pipe/fitting according to an embodiment ofthe invention attached to a flexible duct.

FIG. 4 is a side view of an embodiment of crimp gears used to make themodified crimp of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a portion of a duct system having apipe/fitting according to embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 9 is an isometric projection of a pipe of FIG. 5.

FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 9 inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 9 in alocked configuration in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 11A is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 9 inaccordance with another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11B is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 9 in alocked configuration in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 11A.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 5 in alocked configuration in accordance with another embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 13 is a flow diagram of a method of fabricating the pipe andfitting coupling system of FIG. 5

FIG. 14 is a partial cross-sectional view in accordance with anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 15 is a partial cross-sectional in accordance with an embodiment ofthe invention including a button punch lock.

FIG. 16 is a partial cross-sectional view in accordance with anembodiment of the invention including a button snap lock.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the invention include a fitting 10 or pipe 40 with aninverted bead 18 forming an inverted channel 20 at one end. As shown inFIG. 2C, the bead is inverted because it projects inwardly towards theinterior of fitting 10 or pipe 40. As shown in FIG. 3, a flexible duct24 is secured to the end of the fitting 10 or pipe 40 by first slidingthe flexible duct 24 over the fitting 10 or pipe 40. Flexible duct 24 orflex duct is typically made of a flexible plastic or sheath materialcovering a wire coil 25 to form the shape of a tube. However, any otherflexible duct may be used with certain embodiments of the invention,herein. Next, a fastener such as a nylon duct strap, cable tie,tie-wrap, hose tie or zip tie 22 is wrapped around the outside of theflexible duct 24, located over the channel 20 on the fitting 10 or pipe40 which is located on the other side of the flexible duct 24 from thefastener. Finally, the zip tie 22, for example, is tightened around theflexible duct 24. As the zip tie 22 is tightened, it causes the zip tie22 and a portion of the flexible duct 24 to deflect into the channel 20.In certain embodiments, portions of the helical wire 25 of the flexibleduct 24 are bent by the zip tie 22 into a shape corresponding generallywith the shape of the channel 20 as shown generally in FIG. 3. Infurther embodiments, the material of the flexible duct 24, which mayinclude portions of the helical wire 25 and/or the sheath material, getspinched into the channel 20 by the zip tie. It is believed that the ziptie 22 not only exerts pressure in an inward direction against the base27 of the channel 20, but through the pinching action also exertspressure against the side walls 29 of the channel 20. One of thebenefits of these various embodiments is that the combination of theinverted bead 18 and zip tie 22 creates a mechanical lock, either bydeflection of the helical wire in the flexible 24 duct, the pinchingaction, or a combination of both. This mechanical lock creates anunexpectedly tight lock between the flexible duct 24 and the fitting 10or pipe 40. Channel 20 serves as a retainer for a fastener. As usedherein, the term “zip tie” may refer to any such fastener. Channel 20has a size which may depend on the size of the zip tie 22. The size ofchannel 20 is large enough to accommodate the zip tie 22 and a portionof the flexible duct 24 secured between channel 20 and the zip tie 22.Channel 20 is preferably 5/16 to ⅝ inches and more preferably 7/16 to ½inches wide and preferably 1/16 to ½ inches and more preferably ⅛ to ¼inches deep for securing a zip tie 22 which is typically ⅜ to ½ inch orsmaller wide.

Embodiments of the invention may be used alone, i.e. on the end of afitting 10 or pipe 40 containing only the inverted bead 18 as shown inFIG. 2C, or in combination with other features on the end of a fitting10 or pipe 40. For example, in certain embodiments, embodiments of theinvention may be combined on the end of a fitting 10 or pipe 40 with ataper 19 as shown in FIG. 2C. This taper 19 may make it easier to locatethe flexible duct 24 over the fitting 10 or pipe 40.

In other embodiments, the invention may be included on the end of afitting 10 or pipe 40 in combination with a feature that locates theflexible duct 24 on the fitting 10 or pipe 40. This feature may providea stop, such as flange 44 in FIG. 2A that prevents the flexible duct 24from sliding too far down fitting 10 or pipe 40. The end of the flexibleduct 24 abuts the stop. The inverted bead 18 is at a known distance fromthe stop, making it easier for the installer to locate the inverted bead18 when the flexible duct 24 is covering the channel 20 of inverted bead18.

In certain embodiments, the invention may be included on the end of afitting 10 or pipe 40 in combination with a locking or sealing mechanismfor combining the pipe or duct with another fitting 10 or pipe 40, forexample, such as pipe coupling system 42 in FIG. 2A or bead 54 in FIG.2B. The benefits of combining embodiments of the present invention witha pipe locking or sealing mechanism are that the same fitting 10 or pipe40 can be joined to another fitting 10 or pipe 40, or may be joined witha flexible duct 24. This flexibility allows the installer to carry onefitting 10 or pipe 40 on a job that can be used for either purpose,reducing the amount of inventory needed on the job.

A round sheet metal fitting 10 according to embodiments of the inventionis illustrated in FIG. 1. Fitting 10 includes a first end 12 and asecond end 14 opposite the first end. First end 12 is a tapered male endincluding a modified crimp 16 having an inverted bead 18 to allowflexible duct installation in addition to pipe installation. Bead 18 isconsidered to be inverted because it projects inwardly towards theinterior of fitting 10. Modified crimp 16 includes a series of crimpsdisposed annularly about first end 12. Bead 18 is formed from indentedcrimps forming an inverted, outwardly facing, flex channel 20 at thebase of modified crimp 16. Channel 20 serves as a retainer for afastener such as a nylon duct strap, cable tie, tie-wrap, hose tie orzip tie 22 that is installed around a flexible duct 24 to hold it inplace on the fitting. As used herein, the term “zip tie” may refer toany such fastener. Channel 20 formed by inverted bead 18 has a sizewhich may depend on the size of the zip tie 22. The size of channel 20is large enough to accommodate the zip tie 22 and a portion of theflexible duct 24 secured between channel 20 and the zip tie 22. Channel20 is preferably 5/16 to ⅝ inches and more preferably 7/16 to ½ incheswide and preferably 1/16 to ½ inches and more preferably ⅛ to ¼ inchesdeep for securing a zip tie 22 which is typically ⅜ to ½ inch or smallerwide. While the modified crimp 16 having an inverted bead 18 is shown ona fitting 10 in FIG. 1, the modified crimp 16 according to embodimentsof the invention may also be installed on a pipe 40 in the same manner.The fitting 10 may have with one or multiple ends, such as an elbow (oneend) or tees or wyes (multiple ends). As used herein, “conduit” includesboth fittings and pipes.

As shown in FIG. 2A, one embodiment of the modified crimp 16 isinstalled on a fitting 10 or pipe 40 having a pipe coupling system 42for attaching pipes. The benefits to having secure attachments for botha flexible duct and a pipe include that one fitting/pipe can do the jobof two separate fittings/pipes, less inventory is needed at job site,and it does not take any extra material to form this additional featureon the existing coupling system 42. The pipe coupling system 42 is atthe base of the modified crimp below the modified crimp 16 and above asmooth portion 56 of fitting 10 or pipe 40. Pipe coupling system 42includes a first flange 44 having an inwardly facing face, a secondflange 46 having an outwardly facing face, a groove 48 disposed betweenthe inwardly facing face of first flange 44 and the outwardly facingface of second flange 46 and a sealant 50 disposed in groove 48 forreceiving a plain end of a pipe. Pipe coupling system 42 is described inU.S. application Ser. No. 14/020,611 filed Sep. 6, 2013 and entitledSealed Transverse Locking Pipe and Fitting, the disclosure of which isincorporated by reference herein. The pipe coupling system 42 itself isfurther described with reference to FIGS. 5-16, which are shown withoutembodiments of the inverted bead or channel. However, any of theembodiments described herein may be included on any embodiment of thepipe coupling system described herein.

As shown in FIG. 5, a pipe and fitting coupling system 100 includes afirst pipe 120, a second pipe 140, and a joint 160. In addition to thestraight pipes shown, the pipe and fitting coupling system 100 mayinclude any suitable pipe and/or fitting known to those skilled in theart. Examples of suitable pipes and fittings include round andrectangular pipes, small and large radius elbow joints, ‘Y’ joints, ‘T’joints, registers, and the like. Thus, for the sake of brevity, theterm, “pipe 120” and “pipe 140” are used throughout the presentdisclosure and the figures depict a round pipe.

To continue, the first pipe 120 has a pipe diameter D and a plain end180. The second pipe has a receiving end 200. The receiving end is asingle piece of shaped sheet metal. In general, the metal may includeany suitable metal. Examples of suitable metals include steel, aluminum,alloys, and the like. In addition, the pipes 120 and/or 140 andreceiving end 200 may be made of any other suitable material. Examplesof suitable materials include malleable, injectable, and/or moldablematerials such as, for example, plastics and other polymers, resins, andthe like.

As shown in FIG. 6, the receiving end 200 includes a first axial flange220, a second axial flange 240, an axial groove 260, and a sealant 280.In general, the axial flanges 220 and 240 facilitate positioning theplain end 180 in the axial groove 260. The sealant 280 includes anysuitable elastomeric, resilient, or otherwise malleable material that iscapable of forming and maintaining a seal with the plain end 180.Particular examples of suitable materials include butyl rubber and thelike. The first axial flange 220 has a first flange diameter D1 that isgreater than the pipe diameter D. The second axial flange 240 has asecond flange diameter D2 that is less than the pipe diameter D. Thesecond axial flange 240 extends further axially than the first axialflange 220. As described herein, this axial extension of the secondaxial flange 240 facilitates securing the plain end 18 of the first pipe120 in the receiving end 200 of the second pipe 140.

The axial groove 260 is disposed at the pipe diameter and between thefirst axial flange 220 and the second axial flange 240. To facilitatetelescoping the plain end 180 into the receiving end, the first axialflange 220 has an inwardly angled face 300 to meet the axial groove 260and the second axial flange 240 has an outwardly angled face 320 to meetthe axial groove 260. These angled faces 300 and 320 simplify the taskof aligning the two ends 180 and 200 and initiating the telescoping ofthe plain end 180 towards the axial groove 260. The sealant 280 isdisposed in the axial groove 260 to seal the plain end 180 in thereceiving end 200. The joint 160 is formed by the cooperative alignmentof the plain end 180 being inserted into the receiving end 200 and beingsealed by the sealant 280.

Also shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 is a fastener 340. As shown in FIG. 6, thefastener 340 is configured to pierce a wall of the plain end 180 and awall of the second axial flange 240. In this manner, the plain end 180may be secured in the receiving end 200. In general, the fastener 340includes any suitable fastener. Examples of suitable fasteners includescrews, pop-rivets, and the like. In a particular example, the fastener340 is a self-tapping metal screw.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 5. Asshown in FIG. 7, the second axial flange 240 includes a series of crimps360 disposed about the circumference of the second axial flange 240. Theseries of crimps 360 are configured to provide a taper in the secondaxial flange 240. As such, the second axial flange is formed into aportion of a cone, e.g., a frusto-conical segment to facilitatetelescopically sliding the plain end 180 over the second axial flange240 and into the axial groove 260. In various embodiments of theinvention, the size or width of each crimp of the series of crimps 360is about 2 mm to about 15 mm. More particularly, each crimp is about 4mm wide.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 5. Asshown in FIG. 8, the inwardly angled face 300 of the first axial flange220 includes an angle A1. In general, the angle A1 includes any suitableangle. More particularly, the angle A1 is about 1° to about 15° tofacilitate telescopically sliding the plain end 180 into the axialgroove 260. More particularly still, the angle A1 is about 10°. Theoutwardly angled face 320 of the second axial flange 240 includes anangle A2. In general, the angle A2 includes any suitable angle. Moreparticularly, the angle A2 is about 1° to about 15° to facilitatetelescopically sliding the plain end 180 into the axial groove 260. Moreparticularly still, the angle A2 is about 5°.

Also shown in FIG. 8, the first axial flange 220 extends a length L1past a bottom or proximal portion of the axial groove 260. The length L1includes any suitable length. In general, the length L1 may vary fromabout ¼ inch (0.6 cm) to about ½ inch (1.3 cm). The second axial flange240 extends a length L2 past a distal end of the first axial flange 220.In general, the length L2 is to provide sufficient area to secure thefastener 340. Depending upon the type of fastener utilized, the lengthL2 may vary from about 1 cm to about 5 cm. In a particular example, thelength L2 is about 2.54 cm.

FIG. 9 is an isometric projection of the pipe 120 of FIG. 5. As shown inFIG. 9, the pipe 120 includes a longitudinal lock 500. The longitudinallock 500 includes a male portion 520 and female portion 540. Also shownin FIG. 9 is an intersection zone 560 where the receiving end 200 (e.g.,the transverse seal) intersects with the longitudinal lock 500. It is atthis intersection zone 560 that the pipe and fitting coupling system 100has the greatest tendency to leak. In order to offset this leakagetendency, additional sealant, such as the sealant 280, may be utilizedas described herein.

FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 9 inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 10A,the male portion 520 includes a hem 60 and the female portion 540includes a locking groove 62. As shown in FIG. 10B, in response to themale portion 520 being inserted sufficiently into the female portion540, the hem 60 slides past the locking groove 62 and engages thelocking groove 62 to secure the male portion 520 in the female portion540.

FIG. 11A is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 9 inaccordance with another embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG.11A, the male portion 520 includes the hem 60 and the female portion 540includes the locking groove 62. Alternatively, the longitudinal lock 500may include a button lock. In addition, the female portion 540 includesa sealant 64 disposed in a channel 66. As shown in FIG. 11B, in responseto the male portion 520 being inserted sufficiently into the femaleportion 540, the male portion 520 is pressed against the sealant 64 toform a seal and the hem 60 slides past the locking groove 62 and engagesthe locking groove 62 to secure the male portion 520 in the femaleportion 540.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 5 in alocked conformation in accordance with another embodiment of theinvention. As shown in FIG. 4, the pipe and fitting coupling system 100optionally includes a sealant 80 in a groove corresponding to the backside of the first axial flange 220. If included, the sealant 80 isconfigured to reduce or eliminate air leakage at the intersection zone560. That is, by placing in the groove corresponding to the back side ofthe first axial flange 220, air leakage at the intersection zone 560 hasbeen reduced based upon empirical testing.

Also shown in FIG. 12, the pipe and fitting coupling system 100optionally includes a lock 82 disposed at the joint 160 configured tosecure the plain end 180 in the receiving end 200. In general, the lock82 includes any suitable locking structure(s) such as tabs, barbs, hems,locking grooves, buttons, dimples, hooks, catches, detents, and thelike. In a particular example, the plain end 180 includes a hem 84 andthe receiving end 200 includes a locking groove 86. In various examples,the hem 84 and locking groove 86 may be configured to releasably engageor substantially non-releasably engage (that is, the engagement may besufficiently secure such that uncoupling the joint 160 results in apermanent deformation of at least the hem 84 and locking groove 86). Inyet another example, the plain end 180 includes a series of the hems 84or buttons, dimples, and the like spaced about the circumference and thereceiving end includes a series of locking grooves or catches spacedabout the circumference. In this manner, the lock 82 may be selectivelyengaged by rotating the plain end 180 relative to the receiving end 200.

FIGS. 14-16 show an assembled upstream pipe section 614 having a rollformed pocket 616 and a downstream pipe section 618 in accordance withembodiments of the invention. A lead-in bevel 620 may be used with orwithout crimping and the pipe sections may be round or rectangular. Thedirection of air flow is illustrated by arrow 622. In the embodiment ofFIG. 14, the upstream pipe section 614 has a roll formed pocket 616 anda lead-in bevel 620. Area of screw penetration is located at area 624.Manufacturer installed sealant 626 is installed in the roll formedpocket base. FIG. 15 shows another embodiment including a self-lockingbutton punch lock 628 including a hem 630 in the downstream pipe section618 which locks onto a relieved portion 632 of a button on the upstreampipe section 614. FIG. 16 shows another embodiment of the inventionincluding a button snap lock 634 including a hem 636 in the downstreampipe section 618 which locks onto a relieved portion 638 on the upstreampipe section.

FIG. 13 is a flow diagram of a method 90 of fabricating the pipe andfitting coupling system of FIG. 5. In general, to fabricate a pipe suchas the pipe 120 and 140, a supply of sheet metal is uncoiled with anuncoiler at step 92. The sheet metal is then flattened with a flattenerto reduce the coil set, e.g., the tendency of the metal to coil at step94. At step 96, the sheet metal is measured and cut to the predetermineddimensions by a shear, for example. A notcher removes segments of sheetmetal that would otherwise interfere with the longitudinal or transverselocking mechanism at step 98. The notched sheet now travels to aconventional longitudinal lock former via a transfer table. At step 900,the sheet now receives the longitudinal lock 500 such as a “snap” lockshown in FIGS. 10A and 11A or “button” lock mechanism as shown in FIGS.10B and 11B. One side is roll formed to a female lock, the other side toa male lock. While the locks are being formed, a sealant is injectedinto the female portion on the lock at step 902. Upon exiting the lockformer, the pipe blank travels onto another transfer table that changesthe direction of travel by 90 degrees at step 904. At step 906, the pipeblank enters the inventive roll former configured to form the receivingend 200.

In general, structures such as flanges and grooves are formed in sheetstock by passing the stock through a series of rolls or dies. A firstroll in the series may initiate a bend and subsequent rolls accentuatethe structure. In order to fabricate the receiving end 20, the receivingend 20 is ‘flared’ or otherwise formed with a die and/or rolls togenerate an outwardly angled face 38. In general, the outwardly angledface 38 increases the diameter of the pipe from the diameter D to thediameter D1. Once the outwardly angled face 38 is formed, the firstaxial flange 22, the axial groove 26 and second axial flange 24 areformed by passing the receiving end 20 through one or a series of rollsor dies. Following step 106, the sealant 28 is injected or otherwisedisposed in the axial groove 26 at step 108. The blank then travels to acrimper machine and the series of crimps 36 may be formed in the secondaxial flange 24 at step 110. Following fabrication, the completed pipe12 exits onto a run-out table where it is inspected and then packaged atstep 112.

Alternatively, the pipe and fitting coupling system may be fabricatedvia a molding or casting process. For example, as is generally known, anegative mold of the pipe 12 may be generated and a material may beintroduced to the mold to form the pipe 12.

Alternatively, modified crimp 16 may be installed on fittings/pipes 10,40 having a different pipe coupling system 52 such as that shown in FIG.2B. In this embodiment, channel 20 is disposed in the central portion ofthe modified crimp. Pipe coupling system 52 does not have a groove andsealant arrangement as shown in FIG. 2A but has an annular bead 54 whichprevents the pipe being coupled to fitting/pipe 10, 40 from extendingbeyond modified crimp portion 16 and onto the smooth portion 56 offitting/pipe 10, 40. Channel 20 is not limited to the positions shown inFIGS. 2A and 2B but can be disposed at other positions in modified crimpportion 16. Alternatively, first end 12 may be smooth and formed withouta crimp and channel 12 and be disposed at positions other than thoseshown in FIGS. 2A and 2B.

FIG. 3 shows a fitting/pipe 10, 40 attached to a flexible duct 24 usinga zip tie 22. When securing flexible duct 24, zip tie 22 is fastened andsettles into the crimped channel 20 formed by inverted bead 18 tosecurely fasten flexible duct 24 to fitting 10 or pipe 40. The smallerfastened diameter of zip tie 22 in channel 20 formed by inverted bead 18prevents the connection from working itself loose over time and slippingduring install. Channel 20 also provides a better sealed connection thana typical flexible duct connection.

As shown in FIG. 4, the modified crimp 16 having an inverted bead 18 isformed using first and second crimp gears/rolls 26, 28. In embodimentsof the modified crimp 16 having an inverted bead is used in combinationwith a pipe coupling system 42 such as that shown in FIG. 2A, the stepof making the modified crimp 16 having an inverted bead 18 takes placeafter the pipe coupling system 42 is formed. With reference to the flowdiagram of FIG. 13, the step of make the modified crimp 16 having aninverted bead takes place at step 910 when the crimp is formed. Crimpgears/rolls 26, 28 engage a sheet metal tube or a piece of pipe rollingthrough the gears. Crimp gears/rolls 26, 28 can be used in a manualprocess or be integrated with standard crimp rolls on an automated piperoller.

Crimp gears/rolls 26, 28 include two inverted tapered crimp gears 30,32, operatively connected to cylindrical crimp gears 34, 36 and a largersmooth roll 38 on second crimp gear/roll 28 to support the inside of thesheet metal tube that this channel 20 is applied to. The edges ofcylindrical crimp gears 34, 36 are preferably beveled to not damage thesheet metal. The smooth roll 38 allows the sheet metal tube to be heldin position while the crimp gears are applying pressure to form channel20. An alignment plate 35 aligns the sheet metal tube on the crimpgears/rolls 26, 28.

The invention is not limited in its application to the details ofconstruction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in theabove-description or illustrated in the drawings and that someembodiments are described by way of reference only. The invention iscapable of embodiments in addition to those described and of beingpracticed and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understoodthat the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purposeof description and should not be regarded as limiting. Further, sincenumerous modifications and variations will readily occur to thoseskilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to theexact construction and operation illustrated and described, andaccordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resortedto, falling within the scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A conduit comprising: a first end; and a secondend opposite the first end; wherein the first end comprises an invertedchannel, the inverted channel comprising a size large enough toaccommodate a zip tie and a portion of a flexible duct secured betweenthe channel and the zip tie.
 2. The conduit of claim 1, furthercomprising a series of crimps disposed annularly about the first end,the crimps comprising the inverted channel formed in the series ofcrimps.
 3. The conduit of claim 1 further comprising a pipe couplingsystem configured to couple a pipe to the conduit.
 4. The conduit ofclaim 2 further comprising a pipe coupling system at the base of theseries of crimps configured to couple a pipe to the conduit.
 5. Theconduit of claim 4, wherein the pipe coupling system includes a firstflange having an inwardly facing face, a second flange having anoutwardly facing face, a groove disposed between the inwardly facingface of the first flange and the outwardly facing face of the secondflange and a sealant disposed in the groove for receiving the pipe. 6.The conduit of claim 3, wherein the pipe coupling system comprises anoutwardly facing bead.
 7. The conduit of clam 2, wherein the channel isformed in a base portion of the series of crimps.
 8. The conduit of clam2, wherein the channel is formed in a central portion of the series ofcrimps.
 9. The conduit of clam 1, wherein the conduit is a fitting. 10.The conduit of clam 1, wherein the conduit is a pipe.
 11. The conduit ofclaim 1, wherein the channel is 5/16 inch to ⅝ inch wide and 1/16 inchto ½ inch deep and accommodates a zip tie having a width of ⅜ inch to ½inch.
 12. A conduit system comprising: a conduit comprising: a firstend; and a second end opposite the first end; wherein the first endcomprises an inverted channel, the inverted channel comprising a sizelarge enough to accommodate a zip tie and a portion of a flexible ductsecured between the channel and the zip tie; a flexible duct locatedoutside of the conduit and located at least partially over the channel;and a zip tie located outside of the flexible duct and located over thechannel, wherein the zip tie is tightened, securing the flexible duct tothe channel.
 13. A conduit system comprising: a conduit comprising: afirst end; and a second end opposite the first end; wherein the firstend comprises: a series of crimps disposed annularly about the firstend, the crimps comprising an inverted channel formed in the series ofcrimps, the inverted channel comprising a size large enough toaccommodate a zip tie and a portion of a flexible duct secured betweenthe channel and the zip tie; a pipe coupling system at the base of theseries of crimps configured to couple a pipe to the conduit, the pipecoupling system comprising a first flange having an inwardly facingface, a second flange having an outwardly facing face, a groove disposedbetween the inwardly facing face of the first flange and the outwardlyfacing face of the second flange and a sealant disposed in the groovefor receiving the pipe.